 "Decision to join BJP was 'well considered, would never change': Satpal Maharaj")
Former Congress heavyweight Satpal Maharaj, who recently defected to BJP, today said his decision to join the saffron party was "well considered" and would never change.
The remarks came following speculation in the media that he might return to Congress after the Lok Sabha polls.
"I have joined BJP after a lot of thinking. It is a well considered decision which cannot change. I am here to stay," Satpal told reporters here.
Nearly half a dozen MLAs in the state assembly, including Satpal's wife Amrita Rawat who is a minister in the state Cabinet, are said to bear allegiance to the leader.
When asked about a disgruntled BJP leader's statement that his joining will not help the party, Satpal said, "My presence in the ranks of BJP will not only benefit the party in Uttarakhand but also in other states.
Satpal won the Pauri Lok Sabha seat in the last general elections on a Congress ticket.
The remarks came following speculation in the media that he might return to Congress after the Lok Sabha polls.
"I have joined BJP after a lot of thinking. It is a well considered decision which cannot change. I am here to stay," Satpal told reporters here.
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Asked about reports that he would try to stoke a rebellion against Congress' Harish Rawat government in Uttarakhand after the polls through MLAs loyal to him, the Pauri MP said he did not have any such intention.
Nearly half a dozen MLAs in the state assembly, including Satpal's wife Amrita Rawat who is a minister in the state Cabinet, are said to bear allegiance to the leader.
When asked about a disgruntled BJP leader's statement that his joining will not help the party, Satpal said, "My presence in the ranks of BJP will not only benefit the party in Uttarakhand but also in other states.
Satpal won the Pauri Lok Sabha seat in the last general elections on a Congress ticket.